The US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, which Lexington has signed, is designed to encourage communities to act locally to reduce the impacts of climate change by lowering (manmade) greenhouse gas emissions. To date 852 Mayors have signed the Agreement- in Kentucky the signatories include Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Bowling Green and Villa Hills. Under the Agreement, participating communities voluntarily agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by taking steps such as reducing the use of fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, promoting alternative transportation, adopting land use policies that reduce urban sprawl, improving the fuel efficiency of municipal vehicle fleets, increasing recycling rates, etc. The Sierra Club has designated Lexington a Cool City for signing the US Mayors' Agreement. In February 2008 Lexington also joined the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and is now participating in the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program. This program is designed to provide communities with tools and technical resources to help communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lexington is one of two communities in Kentucky to enter into the voluntary Cities for Climate Protection Program. There are five milestones in the CCP program: (1) conducting a baseline emissions inventory and forecast; (2) adopting an emissions reduction target; (3) developing a local action plan; (4) implementing policies and measures and; (5) monitoring and verifying the implementation of measures. Currently we are working on first milestone- conducting a baseline emissions inventory and forecast. The Cool Cities Work Group is helping with this task. Some of the steps Lexington has taken that help reduce global warming are described below. GREENING THE LFUCG FLEET We have eliminated the LFUCG central refueling station and now purchase fuel from a vendor with retail stations throughout the county. This reduced the number of miles driven by over 800,000 miles the first year, saved our employees time and reduces the amount of fuel we used. This also reduced annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 451 metric tons a year. Eliminated “take home” vehicle privileges several years ago for approximately 200 employees outside of Public Safety, which also reduced miles driven. We recently purchased 10 additional hybrid vehicles and now have a total of 41 fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in our general fleet. This currently is the largest number of gasoline-electric hybrid cars in one fleet (public or private) in Kentucky. The hybrids get approximately twice the mileage of the vehicles they replaced. Additionally, each year these 41 hybrids produced 9,500 fewer pounds of carbon monoxide; 1500 fewer pounds of hydrocarbons; and 680 fewer pounds of nitrogen oxides than 41 conventionally powered vehicles. The LFUCG also currently purchases gasoline for our fleet containing 7% to 8.5% ethanol (a renewable fuel) through our commercial vendor (Speedway). We purchased 1,022,403 gallons in 2007, meaning we used roughly 81,792 gallons of ethanol. Currently participating in a joint initiative to increase the use of biodiesel with UK, FCPS and LexTran. For our part the LFUCG has purchased approximately 19,000 gallons of B10 (diesel containing 10% biodiesel) since this initiative was launched in November 2006. As a result of this initiative, biodiesel is now for the first time available commercially in Fayette County. Additionally an aboveground storage tank dedicated to biodiesel is being constructed at the vendor's site which should also increase availability. Have replaced 14 full size trucks (in Engineering and Code Enforcement) with more fuel efficient Ford Escapes. Switched to once a week garbage collection in 2006 which saves fuel and resources. GREENING LFUCG BUILDINGS Installed an energy-efficient geothermal heating/cooling system at the new day Treatment Center when it was constructed in 2005. These are approximately one-third more efficient than conventional systems. Installed a solar-powered pump to help aerate a pond at the Adult Detention Center which results in an estimated energy savings of 77,000 kWh/year. This results in an annual reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 70 metric tons and a dollar savings of $4,200 per year. Replaced one large pump with two smaller pumps at the West Hickman Treatment Plant in 2006 and again in 2007. Since it is possible to run one of the smaller pumps at low flow (as opposed to the one large pump), this has reduced energy usage. Use approx approximately 37 million cubic feet of biogas (predominantly methane) generated at the Town Branch Sewage Treatment Plant to heat the plant boilers (sludge digesters) annually. Since biogas has approximately 60% of the energy value of natural gas, this is equivalent to over 22,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas. This results in an annual CO2 reduction equivalent to over 1,200 metric tons. Installed sensor activated lighting controls for select office space at the Adult Detention Center. The estimated energy savings is over 18,000 kWh/year and CO2 emissions are reduced by approximately over 16 tons per year. This also reduces our energy cost by $1,100 per year. Installed variable speed drives (VSDs) on chillers at Adult Community Corrections facility in 2007 at approximate cost of $100,000. An energy savings of 460,000 kWh/year and a CO2 reduction of 424 metric tons per year is anticipated. This will also result in a monetary savings of over $18,000 each year. Turned off the display lights in many vending machines. This can save as much as $30.00 per year for each machine and results in a CO2 reduction of over 1,300 pounds/year per machine. We also purchased 20 Vending Misers for Parks and Recreation vending machines to further reduce energy usage. These can save approx $175 per year per machine and result in a total CO2 reduction of over 70 metric tons per year. All of our 10,000+ traffic signal indicators in Fayette County were retrofitted with the newer gel core type LED through a Memorandum of Agreement with the KY Dept of Highways in 2005. The cost of the upgrade is being paid for out of the energy savings the LFUCG realizes so there is no upfront cost to the taxpayer (i.e. it is a performance contract). Since this upgrade was completed (in July 2005), utility (electrical) costs for these traffic signals have been reduced by approximately $10,000 per month and maintenance costs have decreased significantly. Lexington's annual energy savings is estimated to be around 4.6 million kilowatt hours -enough electricity to power 430 Fayette County homes and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 4,200 metric tons per year. Purchased 392 LED EXIT signs in 2006- installing these 392 LED EXIT signs will result in an annual energy savings of approximately $5,000 and an annual greenhouse gas reduction of 104 metric tons. Also purchased 235 programmable thermostats in 2006. Recently completed an upgrade of the 10th floor lighting at Government Center with more efficient fixtures which is expected to reduce energy usage by 100,000 kWh/year and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 92 metric tons per year. Are members of the EPA ENERGY STAR Partnership and the Department of Energy Rebuild America Partnership, both of which promote energy efficiency. We also formed the new Bluegrass Partnership for a Green Community in August of 2005 with the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools and other local entities to promote sustainability- improving energy efficiency is one of the goals of this partnership. Also joined the EPA Million Monitor Drive. In joining the Million Monitor Drive, we agreed to enable the power management features on 1,000 of our computers so that they go to sleep when not being used. This not only reduces electricity usage by approximately 200,000 KWH and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 180 metric tons per year but also saves our organization approximately $10,000 per year in electricity costs. Joined the EPA Change a Light Campaign in 2006, which is designed to promote the use of energy efficient lighting within our community. The LFUCG is a pledge driver for this Campaign, and we are asking our employees and Fayette County residents to take a pledge to replace at least one inefficient incandescent light bulb with a more energy efficient bulb. Established an internal Energy Management Team, developed an Energy Management Policy, and implemented an energy conservation program to educate employees on the importance of energy conservation. As part of the energy conservation program, wallet cards containing energy conservation tips and environmental info (along with a holiday schedule) are distributed to all 3300+ LFUCG employees each year. Publish periodic articles promoting energy efficiency in internal publications such as the Employee EXTRA and have established an internal energy efficiency annual award to recognize divisions that improve energy efficiency. Implemented a formal policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR rated equipment when available. The LFUCG now routinely purchases many energy-efficient items including EPA ENERGY STAR rated computers and office equipment, light emitting diode (LED) EXIT signs, LED scoreboards, LED traffic signal modules, electronic fluorescent light ballasts, and programmable thermostats. We also purchase energy efficient furnaces and air conditioners. GREENING OUR COMMUNITY The LFUCG has undertaken several recent initiatives in support of this goal. Recent planning initiatives included updating the Comprehensive Plan, promoting infill and redevelopment (the LFUCG has budgeted 2 million dollars to promote infill and redevelopment), initiating the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan process, completing the first public draft of the proposed Greenway Manual which would formalize all aspects of greenway acquisition and management, and adopting the Comprehensive Plan Green Infrastructure Chapter that recommends developing a comprehensive parks, open space and trails plan element. The Urban County Council also adopted the Rural Land Management Plan in April 1999 to help provide guidance in rural areas and the Greenway Master Plan in 2002 which proposed the creation of nine conservation corridors, twenty primary greenway trail corridors, a system of secondary and tertiary trails, a system of rural on-road bicycle routes, and three water-based trails. Through the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, conservation easements are purchased on farmland in the Rural Service Area thereby preserving green space and protecting water and air quality in Fayette County. To date, the Rural Land Management Board has purchased conservation easements (development rights) to over 20,000 acres locally. Through the development review process, land within the floodplains is periodically donated to the LFUCG, preventing it from being developed and ultimately helping protect and improve water quality. There are now approximately 700 acres of public greenways in the county (this includes greenway parcels and easements the LFUCG owns as well as “floodplain” acreage on LFUCG properties). The LFUCG operates 100 parks consisting of over 4,000 acres which helps preserve open space. The Reforest the Bluegrass program, which is a cooperative effort between the LFUCG and the community, began in 1999. Over 150,000 tree seedlings have now been planted under this program, which enhances water quality of local streams and helps improve air quality and absorb carbon dioxide. When these trees mature they will sequester CO2 at a rate of approximately 13 pounds/year, which will result in an emissions reduction of over 880 metric tons each year. Streets, Roads and Forestry also compiled and submitted the necessary documentation for Lexington to retain the National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA designation- we were the first community in Kentucky to receive this designation and have received this designation for the past 20 consecutive years. As part of this designation, we are required to have a Tree Board, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. Additionally the LFUCG continued with the Champion Tree Program as well as the Hazard Street Tree (cost-share) program. The Champion Tree Program promotes tree care by recognizing trees that are large for their species. The Hazard Street Tree program pays qualifying homeowners half of the costs to remove and replace dying street trees. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION Over the past several years, Lexington has increased bike facility mileage at a steady rate by incorporating bicycle improvements in all new construction and reconstruction projects and by installing bike lanes during resurfacing projects wherever possible. Lexington has installed 250 bike racks throughout the downtown area to encourage bicycling. Printed a Spanish version of the city's Bicycle Route Sustainability Map brochure. Established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator position. Sponsor annual Bike Lexington event each May to promote cycling. Performed a bicycle lane restriping and feasibility study. Planning recently initiated the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan process for the two county MPO area (Fayette and Jessamine). Held a Bike Summit in Sept 2007 to create an action plan for expediting the implementation of the newly adopted Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan. During this summit, the League of American Bicyclists named Lexington a 'Bronze Level' Bike-Friendly Community. There are now 20 miles of hard surface/paved (bike) facilities and 15 miles of natural surface trails. There are 100 miles of paved/hard surface trails proposed in the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. Provided assistance with establishing the Wellington Pedestrian and Bike Trail and the Town Branch Trail, and in designing/planning additional trails. Additionally Lexington recently was awarded federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds for several trail projects to include $700,000 for a 1.4-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail on the north side of Lexington (the Coldstream Park Trail), and $208,000 for Town Branch Trail Phase III, a 1.05 mile pedestrian and bicycle trail project. Also recently were awarded Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds totaling more than $2.8 million. The bulk of these funds will be used to construct the Maine Chance Trail project (four miles of asphalt bicycle and pedestrian trail to link Coldstream Park and the Kentucky Horse Park on the city's north side), and the Gainesway Trail project (two miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails that will connect four schools, a park and community center in southeast Lexington). The Lexington Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has also worked to promote/facilitate public transit through initiatives such as public education (media commercials, etc.), reduced fare promotions for the public and UK students (paid for using CMAQ funds requiring a 20% local match), and similar initiatives. The Lexington Bluegrass Mobility Office offers a carpool/vanpool computer ride matching program that includes LexVan, a work commute vanpool leasing program. These services are available to anyone that lives or works in Fayette or any of the 18- county Bluegrass area. Six additional vans were purchased for the LexVan commuter vanpool program in 2006 so there are now 21 vans. Secured funding for a Safe Routes to School demonstration project to include programming and related area improvements to encourage children to safely walk to school. This can help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The goal is to conduct 2 demonstration projects each year. Although not directly related to alternative transportation, the LFUCG has undertaken several initiatives to reduce traffic congestion which has the effect of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Recent projects include forecasting of the Air Quality Index level during the Ozone Season to provide the public with information on air quality, extension of the reversible lane controls on Nicholasville Road, and installation of additional fiber optic cable to improve the traffic signal network. This year Lexington received $320,000 in funding for installation of fiber optic cable for traffic control signal systems on Man-O-War Boulevard, Nicholasville Road and Alumni Drive and $88,000 for a tank for Fayette County's biodiesel fuel program. RECYCLING The LFUCG Recycling Center increased the amount of recyclables being collected by 1,099 tons in 2006. Over 16,700 tons of glass, cardboard, office paper, newspaper, plastic, aluminum, steel, and other fiber were recycled through the Recycling Center during 2006. Using the EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM) which estimates CO2 emissions reductions for recycling or composting various wastes versus landfilling these wastes, this is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of over 64,600 metric tons. Additionally we have offered the 17 nearby Bluegrass Area Development District counties the option of bringing their materials to the LFUCG Recycling Center to be processed through our facility- this resulted in another 1,892 tons of additional materials being recycled which is equivalent to a CO2 emissions reduction of over 7,300 metric tons using the WARM model. Public Works also worked with Bluegrass Pride on a new WasteBuster initiative to promote recycling in schools, businesses, and apartments. In 2006, 25 schools, 35 businesses and 7 apartment complexes signed up to participate in this program. The City of Lexington participated in the US Mayors National City Recycling Challenge contest, in 2007 using the theme of Yes We Can! This contest was held during October and challenged communities to collect and recycle aluminum beverage cans. Over 10,200,000 cans were recycled in Fayette County during the contest. This contest was a joint initiative between the LFUCG and the Bluegrass Partnership. The LFUCG has had a comprehensive internal program in place to collect and recycle unwanted rechargeable batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and other bulbs, and mercury containing equipment such as thermostats generated by the LFUCG since 2000. During 2007, approximately 18,767 lamps (including over 22,000 feet or four miles of fluorescent lamps) were collected from various LFUCG locations by Building Maintenance and Construction employees and recycled through an outside vendor under this program. To date 76,767 lamps have been recycled (including over 29 miles of fluorescent lamps). During the 2007 calendar year, the Division of Waste Management arranged to have 153 tons of white appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and air conditioners recycled through an outside vendor which is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 810 metric tons when compared to landfilling (using the EPA WARM model). In 2007 the Division of Waste Management began holding regularly-scheduled electronics drop-off events and recycled 368,723 pounds of electronic components collected from Fayette County residents and from LFUCG internal operations. This represents an increase of almost 20% over the 2006 calendar year and is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 423 metric tons using the EPA WARM model. In 2007 the LFUCG composted 20,082 tons of yard waste. This material, which would have been landfilled had this service not been provided, was used to create a beneficial product (mulch). This is equivalent to a CO2 emissions reduction of 2,295 metric tons. During the 2007 calendar year, Fleet Services recycled 11,240 gallons of used oil as well as 6,948 used oil filters. In 2006 we collected over 94 tons of household hazardous waste during the Spring Clean collection event. Much of this material was recycled or burned for energy recovery as opposed to being landfilled. This is equivalent to a CO2 emissions reduction of 363 metric tons using the EPA WARM model.